To Christopher, Michael, Justin, James, and Matthew: This is the story of your dad, the man who loved you with every ounce of his being and somehow still managed to crack a joke at the most inappropriate (and perfect) times.

William H. Townsend, Jr. was born on April 13, 1972, in Richmond, VA, to William and Mary Ann Townsend. From the very beginning, he was clever, a little mischievous, and quick with a smart remark. He grew up surrounded by cousins and family who learned early that his grin usually meant some wisecrack was coming. With his dark curly hair and big brown eyes, he had a way to get the cousins to do almost anything he wanted.

He worked in the maintenance department at Boar's Head, where he was known for showing up, working hard, and finding a way to make even the toughest jobs a little lighter with his humor. He never liked to brag, but he quietly took pride in fixing things, both machines and people's bad moods.

The love of his life was Samantha. From the moment they met, he cherished her and the life they built together. Losing her in 2021 was a heartbreak he carried with strength and quiet love, always keeping her memory alive for the boys. In time, he was fortunate to find companionship again with Tanya Mosher, who brought light back into his days and cared for him deeply. She adored him, and he was grateful for the happiness they found together.

His greatest joy, by far, was being your dad. Christopher, Michael, Justin, James, and Matthew, you were his purpose and his proudest accomplishment. He loved coaching, teasing, teaching, and simply being present. Whether it was helping fix something, cheering you on, or slipping in a sarcastic comment just to see you roll your eyes, he made sure you felt loved in his own unique, hilarious way.

Anyone who knew him will remember his work ethic, his fierce loyalty, and his sharp wit. He could turn even an ordinary day into a story worth retelling. If you're laughing while you cry right now, that's exactly how he'd want you to remember him.

He leaves behind lessons you'll carry forever: work hard, love deeply, have each other's backs, and never underestimate the healing power of a well-timed joke. Celebrate him by telling his stories, helping one another, and maybe grilling out or playing the song, he always turned up too loud - the kind of ordinary moments he made extraordinary.

He loved you more than he ever said out loud, but he showed it every day through his work, care, and humor. His love lives on in the men you're becoming and in the brotherhood you share.

In honor of the love he poured into his boys, we invite family and friends to keep showing up for them, with stories, guidance, and the kind of steady support he would have wanted for their journey ahead.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 P. M. until 4:00 P.M., Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 5251 Baxter Road., Disputanta, VA 23842

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.